Dbeibah poised to tighten grip on Tripoli following militia leader’s assassination

The recent assassination of Abdulghani Kikli, a powerful militia leader who held sway over parts of Tripoli for years, may mark a turning point for Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, head of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU). Analysts suggest the killing could allow Dbeibah to solidify his control over the capital.

"This paves the way for unprecedented levels of territorial consolidation in Tripoli and an increasingly smaller number of groups," said Emad Badi, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, in an interview with Reuters.

Kikli—widely known by his nickname "Ghaniwa"—was more than just a militia commander. He reportedly oversaw prisons, controlled financial networks, and had influence over several government ministries.

"Ghaniwa was the de facto king of Tripoli," Tarek Megerisi of the European Council on Foreign Relations told Reuters. "His henchmen ran the internal security agency, distributed cash transfers from the central bank, and controlled various public institutions and ministries."

Since the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has struggled with political instability. The country fractured in 2014, with rival governments and militias emerging in the east and west. While Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, managed to unify factions in the eastern, oil-rich region, Dbeibah—appointed through a UN-backed process in 2021—has faced greater difficulty bringing western militias under centralized control.

Kikli's removal may now shift the balance of power in Tripoli, potentially strengthening factions loyal to Dbeibah.

“Dbeibah has been a frustrated leader forced to coexist with challengers inside the capital,” said Jalel Harchaoui of the Royal United Services Institute. “He’s now sending a clear signal that he’s here to stay—and that Haftar should take him seriously.”

The fighting in Tripoli triggered by Kikli’s assassination calmed down on Wednesday after a government ceasefire but tensions in the region remain high.